A post discussing South Korea’s current weather conditions and a growing craving for hearty soups like jjigae and jjamppong recently surfaced on an online community forum. An office worker who enjoys warm, comforting dishes welcomes the sudden cold snap, intensifying his desire for hot broths. However, while these dishes are comforting in chilly weather, medical experts caution against excessive consumption due to potential health risks.
According to medical professionals at Kyung Hee University Medical Center, many soup-based dishes, often considered “soul food” in Korean cuisine, are high in sodium. With winter temperatures plummeting, people tend to gravitate towards these dishes, but it’s essential to be mindful of sodium intake, as it can negatively impact stomach health.
Dr. JangJae Young, a gastroenterology specialist at Kyung Hee University Hospital, highlighted that South Korea has one of the highest rates of stomach cancer globally, which is primarily attributed to dietary habits. He explained that spicy and salty foods often contain carcinogens like nitrites, which can inflame the stomach lining and potentially lead to adenocarcinoma, a precursor to stomach cancer, if consumed in excess.
Adenocarcinoma, which originates in the stomach lining, can damage cells and lead to conditions like atrophic gastritis. Early detection is challenging, as the initial stages of stomach cancer often show no symptoms. Dr. Jang emphasized the importance of regular screenings, noting that early detection through endoscopic examinations has a cure rate exceeding 95% in South Korea. He advises anyone experiencing heartburn or indigestion to schedule an endoscopy if they haven’t had one recently.
To reduce the risk of stomach cancer, Dr. Jang recommends modifying dietary habits, such as limiting spicy and salty foods while increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and fiber.
The high sodium content in these dishes also poses concerns for individuals with hypertension, which is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or above. Winter conditions, such as fluctuating temperatures, reduced physical activity, and increased sodium consumption, can exacerbate hypertension.
Dr. Woo Jong Shin, from the Cardiovascular Center at Kyung Hee University Hospital, warns that cold weather stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing blood vessels to constrict and raising blood pressure. This temporary spike can escalate into more severe health risks, including heart attacks and strokes, making extra vigilance necessary during colder months.
Dr. Woo emphasizes that hypertensive patients should avoid excessive sodium-rich foods like gukbap and jjigae, as high sodium intake can increase blood pressure and lead to other health issues like obesity. He also cautions against abruptly stopping blood pressure medications, as this can lead to rebound hypertension and increase the risk of heart-related complications.
For those with hypertension, maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important during the winter months, when calorie intake often increases. Dr. Woo advises that even a modest weight loss can help lower systolic blood pressure, with potential reductions of up to 5 mmHg through regular exercise and a balanced diet.